Increasing technology in the classroom benefits every student, especially those whose strengths do not lie in print-based media.
Goals
mastery of learning, or being able to access the curriculum, not memorizing of content
"The implicit goal of education will change from homogenization (all students pointed toward one outcome and measured by one yardstick) to diversification - identifying and fostering the inherent diversity among all of them, identifying new kinds of learning, new kinds of teaching, and new kinds of success." (Rose & Meyer, pg 6),
Students with special needs
" . . . individuals who are defined as "learning disabled" within print-based learning environments are not the same individuals who are defined as "learning disabled" within video or audio-based learning environments" (Rose & Meyer, pg 4)
technology allows for access to curriculum without the hindrance of traditional methods, such as textbooks
Assistive technologies: differentiated use of media to assist students (expanded keyboards, speech recognition software, Braille devices, talking word processors, etc.)
Universal Design for Learning
"The cornerstone of Universal Design for Learning is flexibility. The UDL approach leverages the inherent flexibility of digital media to support individualized learning".
Multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement
Educators can individualize student goals for method and assessment
The Digital Divide
The gap between the have and have-nots of technology
54% of the US population are using the internet (2002)
Students who don't have access are often minority students whose academic performance is statistically below the students who have access
Schools in lower income areas do not have the same access to technology in the classroom because of lack of financial resources
Increasing technology in the classroom benefits every student, especially those whose strengths do not lie in print-based media.
Goals
Students with special needs
Universal Design for Learning
The Digital Divide